Iwan Roberts ‘shock’ at coach

FORMER Wales striker Iwan Roberts has accused assistant manager Raymond Verheijen of being “very selfish” after the Dutchman appeared to suggest he should lead the national side following the death of Gary Speed.

Verheijen, whose contract runs out at the end of this month, posted on Twitter last weekend: “Tomorrow FAW meet about future of Wales. Hopefully the board will respect Gary’s wish so Osian Roberts and myself can lead the team to Brazil.

“[There is] no need for new manager with new ideas. Our success was based on Gary’s clear structure. Everybody knows what to do for mission Brazil 2014.”

But ex-Norwich and Leicester player Roberts, who played alongside Speed for Wales, hit back at Verheijen’s comments.

Roberts said: “What he put on there really left a bad taste in my mouth. Some of the things he has posted on Twitter have absolutely shocked me. It’s very selfish.

“It’s just over two weeks since we lost Gary and just over 48 hours since Gary was finally put to rest. The timing’s shocking and I don’t think he should be putting his CV, if you like, on Twitter.

What he put on there really left a bad taste in my mouth

Iwan Roberts

“He’s touting himself for the Welsh job. He has put it out there in the public for everyone to see. That’s the thing that sits really awkward and uncomfortable with me.

“He’s upset and angered me in the past with some of the things he’s posted but nothing compares with this.”